European Leaders Join Zelenskyy in White House with Trump
On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Several European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, will also take part. The high-level gathering is aimed at showing a united Western front in ongoing efforts to shape a peace settlement with Russia.
Pushback Against Territorial Concessions
European leaders are expected to strongly back Ukraine’s position against any agreement that would allow Russia to retain or annex occupied territories in the Donbas or other eastern regions. Both Zelenskyy and his European counterparts insist that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be preserved. They have voiced concerns about any plan that could pressure Kyiv into territorial concessions in exchange for a ceasefire.
Key Focus Areas of the Talks
The discussions are set to focus on long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, continued economic and military support, and ensuring Russia cannot benefit from its invasion. European leaders want Washington to reinforce global rules rather than compromise them, warning that a flawed deal could embolden Moscow and weaken trust in international diplomacy.
Critical Diplomatic Moment
The meeting is seen as a turning point in the war’s diplomatic track, highlighting differences between U.S. and European approaches to peace. For Kyiv, the support of both Washington and Europe will be essential in ensuring that any agreement protects Ukraine’s sovereignty.
